Clip In Hair Extensions (Everything You Need To Know Before Buying)
I have been using and loving clip in hair extensions to add length and volume to my fine hair.
After trying so many hair extensions the last 20 years as a hair stylist, I’ve figured out what I really liked and what I didn’t like. I realized I actually preferred clip in hair extensions the most! There versatility and ease of use are just a couple reasons why. In this blog post I’m sharing my favorite clip in hair extensions with you.
*Affiliate Disclosure: I do have affiliate links in this blog post. If you purchase something from my link, I will receive a small commission from the sale. This comes at no cost to you, but is paid by the company. I do not take becoming an affiliate with any company lightly. If I am, it’s because I believe in the company and their product.
What are clip in hair extensions?
Clip in hair extensions are one of the easiest ways to add instant length, fullness, and volume to your hair. They attach with small clips that easily secure into your natural hair and can be put in or taken out in just minutes. I especially love them for adding extra fullness for everyday wear or for special events when you want a little extra glam!
Clip In vs Sew In Extensions
Clip in hair extensions are so much nicer overall than sewn in hair extensions. I prefer them because you don’t have to wash your hair with your extensions in- a huge plus! Washing your hair with sewn in hair extensions is such a pain! It’s a lot of weight that is on your head when wet and you always have to blow dry your hair because the extensions can start to smell or get musty if you let them air dry. I also like that I don’t have to sleep in clip in hair extensions. You can just take them out at night. Sewn in hair extensions always were harder to sleep in. It wasn’t that comfortable. They are also a more budget friendly option overall compared to sewn in hair extensions. I also feel like it’s better for my hair. I don’t worry about losing hair or breakage with clip in hair extensions.
Check out my experience with sew in extensions here!
Who are clip in hair extensions best for?
For anyone wanting to add length, thickness or volume to their hair without the commitment of sewn in hair extensions.
Pros Of Clip In Hair Extensions
- You don’t have to wash your hair with hair extensions in.
- You can change up the style and do long one day and just more volume the next
- You don’t have to sleep with them in your hair.
- They’re more budget friendly.
- Easy to pop in the hair.
- Length without having to wait for hair to grow out
- No salon commitment
- Gives your scalp a break since you can remove them at the end of the day
- Good option for testing hair extensions before fully committing
Cons Of Clip In Hair Extensions
- Have to put them in everytime
- Need to blend them more than sewn in
- Harder to do intense workouts with them in
How To Apply Clip In Hair Extensions
Applying clip in hair extensions can feel intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes so easy! The key to making clip in extensions look natural is all in the placement and blending. I am sharing a few simple tricks that help them stay secure, blend seamlessly, and look like your real hair.
Tips For A Natural Look
You want to first part your hair all the way around your head – leaving enough hair on top to cover your hair extensions. I like to use a foiling comb or a rat tail comb to really get clean lines. Luxy also sells a kit that has the foiling comb, clips and teasing brush all together and comes in a cute bag. Check it out here.
Next, clip up all the hair on top and apply your hair extensions. If I’m doing a full set, I apply my larger 4 wefts in the back first. Then I position the next 4 wefts right on top of the weft I just put in my hair. I find it gives it more staying power doing it this way. I line it up to be right underneath the seam of the first weft. Then I apply my wefts to the side of my head. Doing the same thing to the sides where I apply a weft on top of another once it’s on my head. Then I’ll take down my hair and see if I need to add any smaller 1 wefts anywhere.
Once I’m done applying the clip in hair extensions, I then start to curl my hair. I found curling after I apply the wefts works best for me. Some people prefer to curl their natural hair first, then apply the hair extensions. Once I’m done curling, then I take a teasing brush and tease the top part of my hair all around the sides and my crown, then I brush it out. This helps to hide any clips and really blend everything well. I also will brush my hair with the extensions after I curl to blend it all together. For the most natural look I recommend curling your hair. It looks more seamless, than straightening.
Video Tutorial of How To Apply Clip In Hair Extensions
How To Care For Clip In Hair Extensions
- You want to brush your hair extensions before and after you wear them. This ensures you don’t get tangles in them and blend better with your hair.
- Shampoo your extensions every 15-30 wears. I found I can get by with less even as long as I take care of them after each wear. Use a gentle shampoo and use conditioner on the mid-shaft down to the ends.
- Lay them flat to dry on a towel. If you feel like they are getting dry on the ends you can do a deeper conditioner on them. You can blow dry but use a lower heat setting on blow dryer. I also recommend using a heat protectant.
- It’s ok to use hot tools but make sure it’s not on the highest heat setting.
- Brush before storing them on a hair extension hanger, silk bag or box.
Are clip in extensions damaging?
They are actually the least damaging extensions out there because you can easily remove them. So you aren’t sleeping in them, or having to shampoo your hair wearing them.
Thinning Hair Fill Ins from Luxy Hair Extensions
These are the best hair extensions for thinning hair. They come with 6 wefts. 4- 1 wefts and 2-2 wefts. The thinning hair fill-ins are more for adding volume to the sides of the hair and front. It’s subtle but still makes a difference.
Product Details
- Type- Seamless Clip Ins
- Number of Wefts- 10 wefts
- Shades- 36 shades
- Lengths- 12 in., 16 in., 20 in. and 24 in.
What I Liked
I liked that my hair looked thicker overall and longer. I was able to braid my hair, put it in a ponytail, it just looked cuter all around!
What I Didn’t Like
There really isn’t anything I didn’t like about them. I’ve had clip in hair extensions before so I knew what to expect mostly and I haven’t been disappointed!
How I Tested Clip In Hair Extensions
As a stylist I tested the clip in hair extensions from Luxy with a few criteria. The first was making sure the color matched with my natural hair color and it did! I was so impressed with it- even my family was shocked how it looked just like my natural hair color.
The second criteria was ease of application, which again I was impressed with. I watched a video and and it really helped me know how to apply them and it didn’t feel hard.
The third criteria was durability, did they last throughout the day and not fall out of my head. Again, they were great! I didn’t feel self conscious wearing them around the whole day- they felt secure.
I also measured how well they looked throughout the day. I noticed my overall style to my hair lasted longer when wearing hair extensions then when I didn’t wear them.
They were also comfortable too. I didn’t feel the initial discomfort like I always would with sewn in hair extensions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you select the right shade of clip in hair extensions?
I took a picture of myself in natural lighting with my phone and then browsed the shades on the website and held up the phone to see what matched best. I got a perfect match the first time I did it! You can also consult Luxy’s “Text a Stylist” option where you can text one of their stylist and they’ll recommend the best hair extensions and color based on the information you give them.
How long should you wear clip in hair extensions?
Wearing them during the day for 12 hours is fine, but you don’t want to sleep in them. Taking them out gives your scalp a break and avoids breakage.
How many wefts do you need for clip in hair extensions?
It really depends on how much length and thickness you want overall. For just some fullness, 2-3 wefts, for some volume and length, 4-6 wefts, and for a major transformation, you’ll want 6-8 wefts or more.
Does the weight of the clip in extensions matter?
Yes, 80-120 grams if for lighter, natural volume. For more fullness and length and the most popular option you’re going to want 140-180 grams. If you’re wanting a full on glam look you’ll want 200+ grams but you’ll want thicker hair if using that much hair.
Final Thoughts on Clip On Hair Extensions
I am a huge fan of clip in hair extensions! They do the job but you don’t have to deal with all the extra hang ups that come with hair extensions that are more permanent. You can easily just take them out at the end of the day and not have to sleep with them or shampoo your hair with them in- best of both worlds! I love that I can give myself an instant hair makeover just by adding in some hair extensions. Whether I’m wanting to leave my hair down and add some thickness or length or create a fun long braid- hair extensions make all my hair dreams come true!
Have you tried out clip in Hari extensions? Share your thoughts below!
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